IDAHO FALLS — Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C Minor may not have emotional significance to the average audience member. Still, it’s the musical work that will be wrapping up the end of an era for Thomas Heuser, musical director of the Idaho Falls Symphony. It’s also what started it all during the audition process for Heuser some 15 years ago.
“I know these guys (musicians) really, really well now, and I know that they’re chomping at the bit to play this piece… It’s like a big epic novel. It’s really complicated, and there’s a ton of different moods and styles, and they did it, and I was so pleased that we were able to execute on this piece that I loved so dearly, and now to do it again. It’s just so fun to revisit a piece. You find something new every time,” Heuser says.
At the 76th season finale this Saturday, entitled Passing the Baton, Heuser will say goodbye to his beloved orchestra to prepare for a new chapter in his musical career. He’s traveled to Idaho Falls from Colorado, and before that, California, about once a month during these symphonic seasons, and has become a pillar in the music community.
“More than 100 concerts together over the years. It’s an amazing repertoire list that we’ve established. I’m just so pleased with all of that,” Heuser says.
He says during his initial audition process, over 100 potential conductors threw their hats in the ring, and he was the final pick.
“You never really know what kind of chemistry you’re going to have with a certain community, but when I came here and auditioned, I connected with the people right away, from the patrons to the musicians. I’ve always been a huge advocate for music education, and that’s going very strong in Idaho Falls,” Heuser says.
Heuser continues to lead his home symphony, the San Juan Symphony in Durango, Colorado. He says the search for a new conductor in Idaho Falls has continued throughout this season.
“I think the Symphony is looking for someone who can lead excellent concerts, but also connect with the community, be an ambassador for music education, and just arts in Idaho Falls in general. They’ve got some really fantastic names lined up that are going to be announced really soon,” Heuser says.
Robert Tueller, principal cellist, says he will miss the rehearsal process with Heuser.
"It's really fun preparing music with Thomas. He's very artistic and has a very high standard, but there's a lightness and a humor to the whole process, which makes it very enjoyable," Tueller says
Nadine Luke, principal flutist, says Heuser is a very caring and compassionate conductor and person.
"I really appreciate his good humor, he's very funny, he's very talented, but he is very generous in how he interacts with everyone," Luke says.
Heuser has been named the first-ever conductor laureate, continuing his relationship with the symphony, and has an endowment fund in his name.
“This will be one that’s specifically devoted to the musical product, the musicians, the guest artists, the conductors, and so with that in mind, then we get this opportunity to look at the future to have something that’s really lasting," Heuser says.
Heuser’s last concert will be Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Frontier Center. It will feature the Idaho Falls Symphony and Youth Orchestra.
“I wish I could adequately thank everyone for the love and support. It’s been such an emotional journey just to be at the helm of something like this," Heuser says. “I feel like this orchestra really raised me as a musician and a music director to be ready for whatever comes next, and I’m indebted to them. I’m grateful and thank them for everything they’ve been able to do for me, and I hope that the feeling is mutual."
Grab tickets at IFSymphony.org